Author Archives: tanya brown

Increases Seen in Milk Output and Herd Size

Posted on April 20, 2010 by tanya brown

Last year’s disastrous decline in milk prices caused dairy producers to cut their herds to help bring prices back up. Yet, according to the most recent USDA Milk Production Report, herd numbers are starting to increase along with milk production, … Continue reading →

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FSA Continues Partnership to Save Millions in Water Protection Program

Posted on April 20, 2010 by tanya brown

  Wide smiles, a firm handshake and a big check sealed a continued partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency and the National Rural Water Association. Brandon Willis, deputy administrator for Farm Programs recently presented a $5 … Continue reading →

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USDA Seeks Updates for 2010 Farmers Market Directory

Posted on April 19, 2010 by tanya brown

USDA has launched a campaign to collect information about farmers markets to include in the 2010 USDA National Farmers Market Directory. The agency has been counting the number of operational farmers markets in the U.S. for the past 15 years. … Continue reading →

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California Farmers Use Innovation to Save Environment, Money

Posted on April 19, 2010 by tanya brown

Farmers in Palm Springs, Calif., are embracing innovative, environmentally safe practices to help reduce costs and save energy. Peter Rabbit Farms began washing tons of carrots before loading them into trucks heading to packing houses. The simple technique has cut … Continue reading →

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Ohio SED Makes Music With Native Hardwood

Posted on April 19, 2010 by tanya brown

Steve Maurer is a diverse professional. Jobs on his resume range from a high school German teacher to mayor of Botkins, Ohio. He also served as director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture and is currently the state executive director … Continue reading →

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Crop Dust Heroes: Passing Down Tradition to Future Generations

Posted on April 16, 2010 by tanya brown

  Program Technician Leslie Morgan in the Oroville, Calif. Farm Service Agency snapped this photo of her son David Duncan watching his ag pilot grandpa Bud Harrison taxi down the runway. “I am proud to say my brother, Mark ‘Cropgun’ … Continue reading →

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Public Comment Sought on Proposed Rules for Renewable Energy Programs

Posted on April 16, 2010 by tanya brown

USDA is seeking public comments on several proposed rules designed to increase the production of advanced biofuels and the development of biorefineries. “We view these proposed rules as part of the strategy to help meet President Obama’s goal to accelerate … Continue reading →

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FSA Loan Grows Greenhouse in Arizona

Posted on April 15, 2010 by tanya brown

  With help from the Farm Service Agency and more than 22 years of agricultural experience, Deborah L. Walliser turned an ordinary greenhouse into a low-carbon-footprint-method of growing vegetables that is able to create more food with less water, space … Continue reading →

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Sign-Up Extended for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Emergency Assistance

Posted on April 15, 2010 by tanya brown

USDA has extended the emergency assistance application deadline for eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish. Due to changes in program eligibility provisions, applications for 2008 and 2009 losses must be submitted by May 5. Review the press release. … Continue reading →

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Organic, Small Farms Get Support from USDA

Posted on April 15, 2010 by tanya brown

USDA is making an effort to elevate organic farming in a manner never seen before. The shifting focus to organics and small farms has long-time producers surprised and organic growers grateful. In a speech at a conference for organic farmers, … Continue reading →

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